Finch Update 21-02-2014

I lifted the lid on the Gouldian nest in the aviary today to check how the recently hatched chicks are going.  We have five healthy looking youngsters (and one unhatched egg).

Canon 50D

I have recently replaced my Canon 350D DSLR after many years of reliable service.  I purchased the 350D in about 2006, just as the 400D was being released (which made the 350D with the twin lens kit affordable).  I have taken about 8,500 photographs with the 350D and the original battery still holds a very good charge.

Shutter speed was my primary reason for upgrading - the 350D was capable of 1/4000 second but I needed (wanted) more.  I primarily use my camera for bird photography so being able to freeze the action is an advantage.

Some research indicated that the 50D was the sweet spot: it still used CF (so I could keep my collection of memory cards), it was capable of a 1/8000 second shutter speed and it was cheap as there had been some recent upgrades (meaning there were a few available on the market).

I found a very affordable 50D second hand in Perth, complete with a 16GB memory card, two batteries and a car charger.  All for about 25% of what I paid for the 350D...

Finch Update 14-02-2014

When I fed and watered the finches in the main aviary this evening I noticed that both of the Gouldian Finches were inside their nesting box.  Thinking I'd better check if everything is ok, I climbed inside the aviary.  To my surprise I discovered that some (possibly all, it's a bit hard to see everything in there) of the eggs have hatched!

Finch Update 09-02-2014

Did a quick check on the Gouldian Finches this afternoon and there are six eggs in the nest box.  Mummy bird was less than impressed but quickly resumed duties when I closed the lid and made my exit.  I'll be happy if one or two are reared successfully.

Finch Update 05-02-2014

All four Zebra Finches that hatched earlier had fledged and seemed to be going well.  During January, however, two died.  Unfortunately I have no idea why.

The pair of Gouldian Finches in the main aviary have occupied a nesting box (after investigating all of the nesting boxes I installed) and are busy looking after a few eggs.  In a week or so I should know how many have hatched.

I have started work on the construction of another, much larger aviary.  It is based on an existing aviary I purchased off Gumtree (thanks for the help David!) that I plan to modify and extend with some large flyways and planted scrub areas.